As guests were gathering at the Southern Sun Cape Sun for the 2027 Absa Cape Epic Route Launch Gala Dinner, Absa and Cape Epic announced the extension of their title partnership for another five years – through to 2032 – securing one of the longest-standing and most successful relationships in global sport.
The announcement sets the tone for what the event has termed the Next Era. Against the backdrop of this year’s route launch theme, One Line Changes Everything, the renewal reflects a shared belief that the next chapter of the race, the sport and the partnership will be defined not only by the route ahead, but by the opportunities it creates.
The five-year extension starting in 2028 will see the partnership continue through to 2032, while also carrying Absa and Cape Epic beyond a landmark milestone in 2030, when the relationship celebrates 25 years together.
Since 2006, together with Absa, Cape Epic has evolved from an ambitious mountain bike stage race into the pinnacle of mountain biking. Today, it attracts the world’s best professional mountain bikers, welcomes riders from more than 60 countries, generates significant economic impact for the Western Cape, and has become the most televised mountain bike race on the planet, reaching audiences across the globe.
Announced before an audience of partners, riders, media, government stakeholders and industry leaders, the renewal reflects not only a celebration of what has been achieved over the past two decades, but a shared commitment to what comes next.
“For more than two decades, the Absa Cape Epic has embodied the ambition, resilience and determination that define our partnership,” said Leon Barnard, Chief Executive Officer: Business Banking Pan Africa at Absa. “We are proud of what we have achieved together and excited about what lies ahead. This renewal takes our partnership through to 2032 and beyond a significant milestone in 2030, when we will celebrate 25 years together. That is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the strength of the relationship we have built over time.”
The renewal comes at an exciting time for the sport. Under the broader leadership of The IRONMAN Group, which continues to expand its global portfolio and footprint across endurance sports, the Absa Cape Epic remains firmly positioned as the pinnacle of mountain biking while exploring new opportunities to grow participation, develop communities and expand cycling’s reach to new audiences around the world.
“Few partnerships in sport have the longevity and trust that define the relationship between Absa and Cape Epic,” said Gareth Harrington, Director: Global Partnerships at The IRONMAN Group. “As we look ahead to 2030, we’re excited to continue growing participation, strengthening our impact and ensuring the Absa Cape Epic remains the benchmark for mountain biking globally.”
For Shannon Valstar, Race Director of the Absa Cape Epic, the renewal represents an opportunity to continue growing the sport and broadening its appeal.
“What excites me most about this renewal is our shared vision for the future of the sport,” said Valstar.”Together with Absa, and in alignment with the broader direction being championed across The IRONMAN Group, we see a significant opportunity to make mountain biking more inclusive, accessible and representative.”
“That includes creating more opportunities for women, a key focus area across The IRONMAN Group globally, welcoming new participants into the sport and embracing a broader lifestyle approach that inspires more people to ride. This partnership gives us an incredible platform to grow the mountain biking community in South Africa and around the world.”
For more than two decades, Absa and Cape Epic have built a partnership that extends far beyond title sponsorship. Together, they have helped shape one of South Africa’s most successful global sporting properties and establish the benchmark for mountain biking worldwide.
As the partnership looks ahead to its 25-year milestone in 2030 and continues through to 2032, both organisations remain united by a shared ambition: to grow the sport, broaden access, inspire the next generation of riders and continue showcasing South Africa to the world.
On a night dedicated to unveiling a route that will shape the future of the race, the message is fitting. One line changes everything. For Absa and Cape Epic, this renewal is more than an extension of a partnership. It is the foundation for the Next Era.
Source: Absa Cape Epic Media
